Wording – Chrissie JohnsonDespite recent fluctuations in our political and economic landscape, South Africa’s tourism sector is showing signs of optimism. The recovery rate for overseas tourist arrivals reached 92% in March this year with the UK, Germany, the US, the Netherlands, and France completing the top-five source countries. South Africa’s position in the latest Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) rankings, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), also improved. (Source: The Bright Side Newsletter May 2024). Predictably, Cape Town was South Africa’s shining star in the index for global conferences but the new Club Med South Africa offering at Tinley Manor on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal is going to be a standout competitor and a captivating global tourism destination.
The Collins Group have always concentrated on delivering exceptional real estate opportunities, but additionally they also have a robust commitment to conservation and Africa’s natural heritage. This has propelled them to contribute significantly to the tourism sector in the SADC region and they have acquired part or whole interests in several curated eco-tourism experiences. Part of this endeavour has included engaging with Club Med for the past 10 years to identify sites that could be suitable for a Club Med Project. Having had an office based in SA for over 40 years already, booking outbound travel excursions to their various worldwide destinations, Club Med then decided to extend their footprint and include a South African destination into their existing portfolio of destinations.
A 32ha, beachfront site north of Tinley Manor was finally selected for Club Med’s first resort in Southern Africa based on its proximity to King Shaka International Airport, year-round warm weather and its warm sea coastal environ.
Since its creation in 1950, Club Med has been a pioneer in offering resorts situated in unique and exceptional locations. Collins Residential, together with their investment partners, esteemed visionary equity partners made up of private investors and companies with roots in South Africa, are the developers of the Club Med South Africa project. This ground-breaking venture into the Club Med resort reflects their dedication to enhancing the tourism landscape in Southern Africa, which once completed will be handed over to Club Med to operate.
This remarkable R 2 billion investment has already stirred considerable interest within the global market and as the first resort of this size to be built in South Africa since Sun City over four decades ago, it will be an exceptional catalyst for regional growth.
The beach resort will have a one-kilometre-long sea frontage, 342 hotel rooms and 66 villas and in addition to for their activities and entertainment (the Club Med experience) which will be positioned as South African context – with regards culture, food, music, language and dress, there will also be a surf-school which is a world-first for the Group. Inclusive of wellness, the resort will offer an indulgent spa, fitness centre with several classes every day, a yoga school and an adult-only Zen pool and bar. There will also be a conference centre will cater for 500 seated delegates. From an environmental aspect Collins Residential will also be rehabilitating the property, the wetlands, redoing the coastal dunes and planting thousands of trees.
Set to have most of the ‘all-inclusive’ facilities that Club Med is known for internationally, an additional unique aspect is the 80-room lodge in a Big 5 game reserve that Collins Residential will be developing as part of the Club Med South Africa offering. The bush resort will be accessed either via road or air and will provide a dual-location Club Med Resort - a first globally – where guests can experience both a beach and bush experience.
Present in 40 countries Club Med has cultivated a devoted following across the globe. In the African region, Club Med currently operates eight resorts situated in captivating destinations such as Mauritius, Morocco, Senegal, The Seychelles, and Tunisia. Club Med South Africa Beach and Safari Resort is set to impact the South African hospitality landscape, and will offer local and international guests:
A resort that reconnects with nature
A surf-lifestyle concept for healthy beach holidays
A resort shaped by art and the local culture
A dual experience that can include a fascinating wildlife experience in northern Zululand.
With a steadfast vision of providing value to the local communities and elevating the global allure of KwaZulu-Natal, Club Med South Africa Beach and Safari Resort is poised to become a beacon of tourism excellence together with becoming a strategic asset that promises to enhance regional economic vitality. Additionally, The Club Med South African team is excited that, after 40 years of distributing the brand in the country for international holidays, more South Africans will now have the opportunity to discover their unique offering through this soon to be completed domestic resort.
Local Real Estate would like to acknowledge the much-valued assistance provided by Collins Residential in compiling this article.
This article is for general information only and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)